§ Mr. JOYCEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Cork Harbour Commissioners recently charged the steamer "Arabic" for pilotage on calling at Queenstown, as if the said steamer had been a ship coming within the terms of the special agreement under the provisions of the Cork Harbour (Pilotage) Act, 1892, applying only to Transatlantic ships, although the said steamer was in fact upon a voyage from the Mediterranean, and therefore not entitled to the reduced rate under the special agreement; and whether he will take any action in the matter?
Mr. BUXTONI am informed by the Cork Harbour Commissioners that they have been advised that the "Arabic" came within the provisions of the special agreement referred to, inasmuch as that vessel was on her return voyage from New York to Liverpool, it being immaterial whether she proceeded direct from New York to Liverpool, calling at Queens-town on her homeward voyage, or called at the Mediterranean ports en route. The case does not appear to be one in which the Board of Trade can take any action.